Community Projects

Malaysian International Yoga Competition 2012

More than 500 yoginis & yogis from Malaysia and overseas participated in the Malaysian International Yoga Competition 2012 held at Kandiah Hall of SJK (T) Vivekananda, Brickfields in Kuala Lumpur on August 31, 2012.

Held in conjunction with this year’s Merdeka celebration, the international participants from different ages, shapes, sizes and heights from countries including Thailand, Indonesia, India, Iran and host Malaysia demonstrated their flexibility, strength and balance to a panel of 12 professional judges and a packed hall filled to the brim.

The annual Yoga competition held by Malaysian Yoga Society has gradually increased the awareness of what Yoga truly is, transcending the competitiveness that a usual competition imposes. This year's participation saw a increase in the participation especially from the school children ranging from the age 7 to 17, in line with Master Mani's objective of having the competition primarily to create awareness on the benefits of yoga to the body, mind and spirit to all, especially for children and this was proven by the large participation amongst children this year.

It was inspiring to see the participants performing their asanas gracefully & confident on stage, witnessed by a pool of spectators and a panel of judges.

Teachers were seen coaching their students and participants worked hard at limbering while waiting for their numbers to be announced, amidst the cheering crowd of family and friends who came to support the participants.

Besides the competition which was held inside the school hall, there were also 40 booths outside the hall offering fun games for children and selling a variety of items like health food and beverages, art pieces, clothing, face painting and henna drawings on hands.

“The competition plays an important role particularly in developing youths and the Malaysian Yoga Society is doing a great service promoting health, wellness and peace.” says the overall winner Umang Dawn, 25, a freelance yoga teacher and sports manager who hails from India.

There was also a “Sponsor A Child” programme where visitors to the carnival-like atmosphere can contribute RM30 which will help to pay for the registration fee, food and beverage, T-Shirt and transportation for one underprivileged child. The proceeds collected through this competition will be channelled to various charitable activities in Malaysia.

The Winners (All Participants are winners in our eyes, by merely participating).